Emergency Procedures for the Mooney M20F Executive

were upgraded to provide firefighters with modern facilities, and older vehicles were replaced with state-of- the-art firefighting resources. New fire stations were completed at Arncliffe, Cranebrook, Katoomba, Molong and Tingira Heights. CREATING A SAFER COMMUNITY While the NSWFB is highly visible in its operational roles, such as fighting building fires and bushfires, managing hazardous material incidents and conducting rescues, we are also placing greater emphasis on prevention with many of the year’s significant achievements revolving around safety initiatives. One major fire safety breakthrough in 2005/06 was new legislation making smoke alarms compulsory from  May 2006 in all homes and other shared accommodation buildings where people sleep. This legislation was introduced following a spate of tragic hose fires deaths last year. The NSWFB was a key proponent of the laws, and we worked closely with other government agencies, business and community organisations to publicise these changes. A major public information campaign, ‘Be Safe not Sorry’, was run in the leadup to, and following, the introduction of the laws. This campaign is proving effective in raising public awareness about the role of smoke alarms in reducing the risk of injury and death in a fire because of the early warning they provide. 0 OvERvIEW Another NSWFB-led initiative was the drafting of a national standard for a reduced fire risk cigarette, which is designed to extinguish when it is not being smoked. Cigarettes are a leading cause of fatal fires, and this initiative has the potential to save many lives, as well as reduce injury and millions of dollars in property damage. The draft standard was the result of close collaboration between the NSWFB (representing the fire services), Standards Australia, scientists, industry and consumer representatives. To increase awareness among young drivers of the serious consequences of car accidents and reduce the number of young people killed or injured on NSW roads, during 2005/06 we launched a program called RescuED for Year 9 and 0 students. Through this program, firefighters visit high schools to share their experiences at accident scenes and to show students how they perform car accident rescues. They also show a video featuring the story of a young man who was seriously injured in a car accident. As experienced rescue operators, firefighters have the credibility to highlight the consequences of unsafe driving, and the response from students to date has been very positive. RESTRUCTURING THE NSWFB Part of my charter on becoming Commissioner was to introduce a new executive and operational structure to meet the needs of the community and the NSWFB into the 2st century by addressing significant environmental and organisational changes that the existing structure could no longer properly accommodate. This has involved creating new or expanded senior positions, including the establishment of two Deputy Commissioner positions responsible for Emergency Management, and Capability and Support. The NSWFB’s operational structure is also changing from three regions to two divisions – Greater Metropolitan Operations, and Regional Operations. Seven new Area Commands are being established and while the number of zones will stay the same, some administrative boundaries will change to align more closely with local government areas and emergency management districts across NSW. This is a major project which will continue into the next financial year with the appointment of staff to new positions and changes in the supporting arms of the organisation to meet the needs of the new structure. At the same time, a major restructure of the human resources function commenced with a focus on better people management, health and safety, workplace communications and industrial relations. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Prevention, mitigation and community resilience will continue to be major priorities for the NSWFB. The partnerships we have forged with the business sector to support a number of different community safety programs, such as National Escape Day, FireED, RescuED and the seasonal safety calendars, will be further developed and expanded in the coming years. Operational excellence is paramount, and this will be further enhanced through a focus on training and equipment improvement to match the dedication of our firefighters and support staff. We will continue to increase the diversity in our organisation by encouraging more women and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to become firefighters. Reducing the number and cost of workplace injuries, safety systems and injury case management will be key areas for improvement in the coming year. The NSWFB executive and regional restructure will be fully implemented next year, with the seven new Area Commands in place, allowing the organisation to better support frontline preparation, prevention, response and recovery activities, and to better respond to local needs. The NSWFB executive and regional restructure will be fully implemented next year, with the seven new Area Commands in place, allowing the organisation to better support frontline preparation, prevention, response and recovery activities, and to better respond to local needs. Reduced water supplies, increased bushfire dangers associated with climate change, an ageing population and the threat of terrorism present major challenges for emergency services. I look forward to working with State and Local Government, in partnership with other emergency services, industry, the community, the Fire Brigade Employees’ Union and NSWFB fire officers, administrative and trades staff and Community Fire Unit volunteers to meet these challenges and to provide the best possible protection to the NSW community. Greg Mullins AFSM Commissioner NEW SOUTH WALES FIRE BRIGADES | ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 3 0 OvERvIEW 4 WHO WE ARE The NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB) is responsible for preventing and responding to fire emergencies, protecting 90 percent of the State’s population in the major cities, metropolitan areas and towns across rural and regional NSW. Under the Fire Brigades Act 989, the NSWFB also protects all of the State’s 6.8 million people and its inland waterways from hazardous material emergencies, and maintains 6 units accredited by the State Rescue Board to rescue people and animals from non- fire situations. The NSWFB has the organisational capability and capacity to support other government agencies such as the NSW Rural Fire Service, State Emergency Service, State Forests, NSW Police, Ambulance Service of NSW and the NSW Department of Environment and Conservation both during and after bushfires, storms, floods, landslides, building collapses, car accident rescues and other emergency situations. The NSWFB’s core competencies of rapid reliable response and multi-skilling mean that there is significant capacity to assist with expanded/new roles, for example rescue and basic life support to assist NSW Ambulance response. The NSWFB has a central office in Elizabeth Street, Sydney; a logistics support centre at Greenacre; operational communications centres at Alexandria, Newcastle, Wollongong and Katoomba; a training college at Alexandria; a network of 339 fire stations across the State and a fleet of 895 vehicles. In 2005/06 the NSWFB had 6546 firefighters, 5500 community fire unit members and 364 administrative and trades staff working together to provide high service delivery and professional standards to the community. WHAT WE DO Our purpose is to enhance community safety, quality of life and confidence by minimising the impact of hazards and emergency incidents on the people, environment and economy of New South Wales. Our highly skilled firefighters use their expertise and experience to educate others in preventing or preparing for emergencies. Our firefighters and support staff provide rapid, reliable help in emergencies – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our firefighters protect 90% of the State’s population from emergencies involving fire, road accidents and other dangerous situations. We protect 00% of the State’s 6.8 million people from hazardous material emergencies and building collapse. We provide terrorist consequence management for 00% of the State. We save lives and reduce the number of injuries caused by emergencies, disasters and terrorist attack. We minimise damage to the environment by treating chemical, biological or radiological releases on land and inland waters. We minimise damage to property and the State’s economy, and we protect community infrastructure valued at over $400 billion. In partnership with the community and the other emergency services, we plan and train for emergencies that we all hope will never happen. • • • • • • • • KEY CLIENTS AND STAKEHOLDERS CLIENTS Local government which we consult concerning service provision Recipients of our public education programs such as school children Recipients of our fire safety inspections such as hospitals, hotels and high-rise buildings Recipients of our fire investigations and research such as the Coroner Recipients of our emergency services such as business owners or road accident victims Public utilities such as energy, water or transport providers which we safeguard The insurance industry which we provide with fire reports. STAKEHOLDERS The people of NSW Our funding providers – the community through the State and local governments and insurers Other emergency services and government agencies with which we work as partners such as the NSW Rural Fire Service, State Emergency Service, State Forests, Ambulance Service of NSW, NSW Police, NSW Department of Environment and Conservation and many other partners. • • • • • • • • • • WHO WE ARE, WHAT WE DO, KEY CLIENT AND STAKEHOLDERS RESULT: ENHANCED COMMUNITY SAFETY, QUALITY OF LIFE AND CONFIDENCE Result: The NSWFB minimises the impact of hazards and emergencies on the people, environment and economy of NSW through excellence in emergency risk management Result: NSWFB services are delivered equitably based on risk, need and best practice in emergency risk management Result: NSW emergency risks are accurately assessed Result: Emergency incidents are prevented where possible Result: Communities are resilient and well prepared for likely emergencies Result: People in NSW can easily access fast reliable effective and safe emergency response Result: Reduced disruption to the community, business and the environment Result: NSWFB is well prepared to manage emergency risks for and with the people of NSW NSWFB PROGRAM  Community Safety (prevention and community preparedness) NSWFB PROGRAM 3 Emergency Management (response and recovery) NSWFB PROGRAM 2 Operational Preparedness (risk assessment and capability development) NSWFB RESULTS AND SERVICES NEW SOUTH WALES FIRE BRIGADES | ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 5 0 OvERvIEW 6 2004/05 2005/06 % Change Service Delivery Population served 6 760 000 (at 3/2/04) 6 803 000 (at 3/2/05) +0.6 Net cost of services (000) $420 576 $454 936 +8.2 Cost per head of population pa $62.2 $66.87 +7.5 Cost per head of population per day 7.0 cents 8.3 cents +7.6 Total fires 33 237 35 78 +7.7 Fires in a structure, involving a structure 765 8060 +5.8 Other fires 25 622 27 72 +8.2 Non-fire rescue calls 8629 9704 +2.5 Hazardous conditions  800  758 -0.4 Service/ salvage calls 5743 584 +.2 Other incidents and calls 70 322 7 632 +.9 Total incidents and calls 29 73 34 689 +3.8 Fire investigations 366 323 -.7 Smoke alarms in NSW homes (%) 7.6 76.9 +7.4 Resources Full-time firefighters 3250 3369 +3.7 Retained firefighters 398 377 -0.7 Administrative and trades staff 365 364 -0.3 Total staff 683 690 +.4 Number of community fire units 292 34 +7.5 Community Fire Unit members 5000 5500 +0.0 Number of fire stations 338 339 +0.3 Number of new fire engines 24 49 +42.0 Total fleet 882 895 +.5  Source: NSW Population Health Survey (HOIST), Centre for Epidemiology and Research, NSW Department of Health. (%% (&% ('% ((% ()% (*% %*$%+ %)$%* %($%) %'$%( %&$%' CjbWZgd[;^gZHiVi^dch % ,% &)% '&% '-% (*% %*$%+ %)$%* %($%) %'$%( %&$%' PERFORMANCE SUMMARY NEW SOUTH WALES FIRE BRIGADES | ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 7 Changes in the external operating environment will continue impacting heavily on the NSWFB in its role of providing emergency risk management to the people, environment and economy of NSW. Key changes include the following. Climate change, particularly global warming: Likely scenarios of a several degree increase in average temperatures over coming decades will drive regional weather variations including longer and more severe droughts and more frequent and intense storms. The NSWFB and other emergency service organisations are already actively planning how to effectively deal with and limit the wide scale impact of severe bushfires and storms on local communities. Demographic changes: Populations shifts (including the development of new growth areas and population movement to coastal areas) and changing demographics (which change community risk profiles) will require ongoing research and resource planning to ensure our service delivery aligns with and meets the changing needs of local communities. Australia’s ageing population will reduce the supply of emergency service volunteers but increase the demand for our services (through reduced capacity to cope and greater likelihood of requiring some form of intervention). Global and regional security environment: The dynamics of political extremism internationally has meant the need for heightened capability to deal with security threats from a range of sources. The NSWFB’s emergency management capability is a vital component in a whole- of-Government counter-terrorism strategy. As part of the State’s critical infrastructure, our role includes managing our assets securely in order to ensure their effectiveness is not impaired. • • • Increased complexity of hazards: As the combat agency in NSW for hazardous materials incidents, the NSWFB is responsible for containing and protecting the environment from all hazardous materials. New training, equipment and systems will be required to cope with the increased complexity of hazards of modern society, including the growing volumes of hazardous materials and dangerous goods transported by road and rail through major urban and sensitive environments. Sustainable environmental management: This includes community pressure on fire services to find new ways to combat fire using less water; and the changing design of reticulated water mains and recycled water systems which will impact on water resources and infrastructure available for firefighting. Greater emphasis on preventing and mitigating emergencies: The full spectrum of emergency management, which includes the prevention of, preparation for and recovery from emergencies, needs to be developed in addition to the more traditional response capability. All these aspects of risk management will need to be addressed in order to effectively deal with the shifting risk profile. Prevention programs are becoming a major priority with fire and rescue services worldwide. • • • FUTURE OPERATING ENVIRONMENT 0 OvERvIEW 8 5 YEAR PERFORMANCE INDICATORS % &%%%% '%%%% (%%%% )%%%% *%%%% +%%%% ,%%%% HZgk^XZ$hVakV\ZXVaah =VoVgYdjh bViZg^Vah^cX^YZcih Cdc"[^gZgZhXjZXVaah GjWW^h][^gZh 7jh]VcY\gVhh[^gZh KZ]^XaZ[^gZh HigjXijgZ[^gZh %*$%+ %)$%* %($%) %'$%( %&$%' % *% &%% &*% '%% '*% cdc"[^gZgZhXjZXVaah He^aaVcY 8]Zb^XVaZbZg\ZcX^Zh EgdeZgin[^gZh %*$%+ %)$%* %($%) %'$%( %&$%' % *%% &%%% &*%% '%%% '*%% %*$%+ %)$%* %($%) %'$%( %&$%' The NSWFB responded to 34 689 emergency incidents in 2005/06, an increase of 3.8% on 2004/05. 35 78 emergencies (27%) were actual fires, an increase of nearly 8% on 2004/05. 2 85 emergencies were bush and grass fires, an increase of 7% on 2004/05.  758 emergencies were to hazardous materials incidents, a decrease of less than % on 2004/05 and 9704 emergencies were to non- fire rescue calls such as motor vehicle accidents, an increase of over 2% on 2004/05. Property fires (buildings and mobile property) per 00 000 population have declined from 206 per 00 000 population in 200/02 to 72 property fires per 00 000 population in 2005/06. The median dollar loss for structure fires has remained constant at $2000 since 200/02. However when the data is adjusted for inflation, the median dollar loss is decreasing. % ' ) + - &% &' .%i]eZgXZci^aZ *%i]eZgXZci^aZ %*$%+ %)$%* %($%) %'$%( %&$%' % '% )% +% -% &%% %*$%+ %)$%* %($%) %'$%( %&$%' % '% )% +% -% &%% %*$%+ %)$%* %($%) %'$%( %&$%' % ' ) + - &% Other Fires %*$%+ %)$%* %($%) %'$%( %&$%' NEW SOUTH WALES FIRE BRIGADES | ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 9 The percentage of structure fires confined to the object and room of origin declined from 69.7% in 200/02 to 69.0% in 2005/06. In 2005/06 the proportion of house fires confined to the object and room of origin for premises with smoke alarms was 78% compared to 66% for premises without smoke alarms. Additionally, when considering the cause of fire and excluding fires caused intentionally, the proportion of house fires confined to the object and room of origin for accidental fires was 85% in 2005/06. The average percentage of property saved has remained constant over the past three years, at 83%. There were 5209 incidents responded to beyond the NSWFB Fire Districts under Mutual Aid Agreements with other emergency services such as the NSW Rural Fire Service and the State Emergency Service. Responses outside NSWFB Fire Districts represented nearly 4% of the NSWFB total callouts. Response times for structure fires at the 50th and 90th percentiles have increased slightly. The NSW Fire Brigades Act requires the NSWFB to respond to emergency incident calls within its area of jurisdiction known as Fire Districts. It also gives discretion to the NSWFB to attend fires beyond NSWFB Fire Districts. The NSWFB has been travelling longer distances and responding to a greater number of out-of- area structure fires, rescues and hazmat incidents. These figures also include calls to structure fires where the NSW Rural Fire Service was first dispatched and the NSWFB was subsequently called upon to assist. 0 OvERvIEW 0 CRITICAL CAPABILITIES AND OUTCOMES ACHIEVED Community Safety – Prevention and Community Preparedness Operational Preparedness – Capability Development Emergency Management – Response and Recovery CRitiCal CaPabilitiES To reduce the number and severity of emergency incidents, deaths, injuries and property damage in the community through effective prevention and preparedness programs To help people prepare for emergencies by building community capacity and resilience • • To allocate resources based on risk and enable excellence in emergency risk management • To ensure rapid efficient and effective management of emergency incidents and disasters To assist the community and business to recover after emergencies • • PRiORitiES Address the safety needs of key at-risk community groups Conduct effective community education programs Establish and support station-based safety and prevention activities Develop strategic partnerships to enhance community safety Increase community and business preparedness Provide inspection, investigation, regulatory and advisory services Research, identify and address major community risks • • • • • • • Provide systems, policies and programs to manage human resources effectively Recruit, train and develop our professional workforce to ensure service quality Conduct disaster planning and joint training exercises with other emergency services Improve the health and fitness of staff so they can perform their jobs safely and efficiently Maintain fleet and equipment to ensure fast effective protection of communities Manage assets and finances to achieve efficient use of resources Manage corporate risks effectively in all organisational activities Accurately assess NSW emergency risks and allocate resources and services based on risk • • • • • • • • Minimise the impact of emergency incidents through rapid appropriate response Develop and maintain strategic working partnerships with other emergency and support services Use information and communication technology efficiently to support rapid effective response Implement principles of sustainable development in all operations Assist the community and business to recover after incidents • • • • • Community Safety – Prevention and Community Preparedness Operational Preparedness – Capability Development Emergency Management – Response and Recovery aChiEvEMEntS Led the introduction of legislation making smoke alarms mandatory in all NSW homes from  May 2006 Increased community safety awareness through a major public information campaign, ‘Be Safe Not Sorry’, promoting smoke alarms and other key safety messages Delivered workplace emergency management training to over 30 000 participants from external organisations through 758 courses, increasing business preparedness for emergencies Led the national push for reduced fire-risk cigarettes, which would greatly decrease a key fire hazard that causes death, injury and property damage Conducted specialist investigations into 323 fires and explosions, and determined the cause in 72.% of cases Set up a further 22 Community Fire Units, taking the total to 34 CFUs operated by 5500 volunteers Through the SABRE program, visited 0 660 homes to install new smoke alarms or check previously-installed alarms Involved in assessing, advising on and approving fire detection and suppression systems in the Lane Cove and Tugun road tunnels, Chatswood-to-Epping Rail Link and major defence infrastructure • • • • • • • • Planned and trained with other agencies to respond effectively to emerging hazards such as drought, pandemic bird flu and transport emergencies Completed new fire stations at Arncliffe, Cranebrook, Katoomba, Molong and Tingira Heights; and major renovations at Hamilton, Manly, Toukley, Trangie and Wallsend fire stations Further reduced the age of our fleet by replacing older vehicles with modern firefighting resources Implemented electronic service delivery through an e-recruitment system for full-time fire officers enabling online applications and more efficient processing Increased the number of applications from EEO groups for full-time fire officers through targeted recruitment practices Sponsored and participated in the 2006 Australian Women in Firefighting Forum Graduated 78 full-time fire officers from the NSWFB State Training College Ran 26 Promotional Programs for the ranks of Senior Firefighter, Station Officer and Inspector Began reviewing skills acquisition and maintenance programs for retained fire officers Implemented the Incident Crew Management System which has proved effective in improving the safety of operational staff at incidents • • • • • • • • • • NSWFB fire crews responded to 34 689 emergency calls, including fires, rescues, hazardous material incidents and natural disasters Our four Communication Centres processed 259 647 incidents, including Triple Zero calls and automatic or other fire alarms, passing calls to NSW Police, SES and NSW Ambulance when necessary, and performing the emergency call-taking function for the NSW Rural Fire Service Provided logistics support for medical teams sent by the Australian Government to help with recovery from the Java Earthquake, Indonesia Opened our new Hazmat Technical Service Centre at Greenacre, which is custom-designed to handle the maintenance, repair and distribution of NSWFB equipment and assets Initiated the I-Zone Project to reduce the effects of bushfires at the urban/bushland interface With NSW Police, shared operation of a counter- terrorism helicopter also used in major hazmat, fire and rescue incidents Protected the environment after hazmat incidents in close cooperation with the NSW Department of Environment and Conservation Continued to enhance FireCAD (computer-aided dispatch) system to improve dispatch of resources to incidents • • • • • • • • NEW SOUTH WALES FIRE BRIGADES | ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006  0 OvERvIEW 2 Community Safety – Prevention and Community Preparedness Operational Preparedness – Capability Development Emergency Management – Response and Recovery aChiEvEMEntS (COntinuED) Implemented a major business sponsorship program to partner with suitable commercial organisations to deliver community safety projects Delivered FireED and PreED fire safety education in 2455 visits to primary schools and preschools Carried out inspections in commercial, industrial and residential buildings including hospitals, aged care facilities and hazardous sites Promoted home escape plans through National Escape Day which was sponsored by McDonalds and supported by interstate fire services Our Accelerant Detection Canine and handler investigated 29 incidents, and delivered 64 lectures and 4 demonstrations Piloted the Fire Risk Identification Guide project to reduce firefighting risks at house fires • • • • • • Trained staff in first aid, with 782 fire officers completing WorkCover-approved first aid courses and 750 fire officers completing advanced first aid training Established the NSW Emergency Services OHS and IM Network, providing a forum for emergency services OHS and injury management practitioners across the State Produced and distributed 20 Safety Bulletins and nine Operational Bulletins to disseminate information rapidly about emerging safety issues • • • Upgraded terrorist consequence management capabilities in the areas of major building collapse rescue (urban search and rescue) and chemical, biological and radiological attack • FutuRE DiRECtiOnS Use improved technology and information-gathering to identify hazards and risk groups sooner, allowing better targeting of prevention programs Work co-operatively with other fire and emergency services in a Joint Community Safety Committee to plan and deliver key safety messages Set up further CFUs in high- risk areas and improve and expand training Extend media training of operational personnel and encourage fire crews to communicate safety information to the public via the media • • • • Finalise implementation of the Human Resources Division restructure As a high priority, plan to establish a new State Training College in order to meet stringent OHS requirements, emerging capability needs and the lack of capacity at the Alexandria site Improve our return-to- work performance through improved safety systems and injury case management, and decreased cost and number of workplace injuries • • • Continue to cooperatively develop and implement plans to provide seamless emergency services throughout NSW Establish partnerships with Australian and overseas emergency services and support agencies to promote better information- sharing and cooperation in emergency management Continue developing our structural collapse rescue capability to manage local incidents and to contribute to national and international requests for help • • • CRITICAL CAPABILITIES AND OUTCOMES ACHIEVED Community Safety – Prevention and Community Preparedness Operational Preparedness – Capability Development Emergency Management –Response and Recovery FutuRE DiRECtiOnS (COntinuED) Develop further our strategic partnership with the NSW Department of Housing to increase fire safety in their properties Carry out a major community education campaign informing the public of new legislation making smoke alarms mandatory in all NSW homes from  May 2006 Encourage development of more Safe Communities programs throughout NSW Increase industry-specific workplace safety training and deliver training to overseas fire services Develop more partnerships with the business community to deliver prevention programs and community education through the mass media • • • • • Produce an integrated learning and development framework across the organisation Develop a suite of workforce performance indicators to support workforce planning and enhance workforce capability Evaluate our leadership, mentoring and management development programs, consolidating these where necessary to meet the needs of our workforce Review the location of our current and proposed training facilities to ensure these meet operational and community objectives Continue cooperative inter-agency planning and training to maintain high operational preparedness and interoperability • • • • • Explore possibilities for rescue service rationalisation arising from the audit of the State Rescue Board Further develop hazardous materials capability throughout NSW with installation of more intermediate hazardous materials units in regional areas, and installation of gas detectors on first response pumpers Install broadband connectivity in our network of fire stations and replace the current paging system with an SMS-based system Further develop first aid capabilities throughout NSW by replacing basic life support kits and oxygen resuscitation equipment with the latest equipment, upgrading training of firefighters and installing automatic external defibrillators on first aid response pumpers, hazmat and rescue units Continue developing policy and procedures and conducting training exercises to further develop chemical, biological and radiological and urban search and rescue response capability Further develop counter- terrorist capability in conjunction with other agencies in order to respond effectively to any terrorist incidents Improve operational communications with expansion of the Private Mobile Radio Network and further upgrades to the FireCAD system Investigate shared services proposals with other NSW emergency services • • • • • • • • NEW SOUTH WALES FIRE BRIGADES | ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 3 Resource Management Director logistics Support Phil Clark Engineering Fleet Property Supply Equipment Development Director business Systems and information technology Richard Host Communication Services Finance Information Systems Human Resources Information Systems Information Systems Operational Information Service Director Finance and administration David Bailey Finance Corporate Administration Executive Support Records Legal COMMUNITY AND STAKEHOLDERS Service Delivery Regional Commander north Bob Dobson Zones: N Northern Beaches N2 Northern Suburbs N3 Newcastle N4 Maitland N5 Port Macquarie N6 Goonellabah N7 Central Coast Regional Commander West Murray Kear Zones: W Parramatta to Hawkesbury W2 Fairfield to Penrith W3 Katoomba W4 Dubbo W5 Tamworth W6 Cabramatta to Picton W7 Leeton Regional Commander South John Benson Zones: S City and Eastern Suburbs S2 Southern Beaches S3 Wollongong S4 Wagga Wagga S5 Batemans Bay S6 Balmain to Revesby S7 Goulburn 4 4 4 LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITY Commissioner Greg Mullins AFSM Executive Project Manager John Anderson GOvERNMENT Minister for Emergency Services The Hon AB Kelly MLC Service Development Director Corporate Strategy Carmel Donnelly Public Affairs and Communication Strategy Operations Research Strategic Information Services Planning and Performance Evaluation Director human Resources Mary Grace Learning and Development Capability Development Employee Services Occupational Health and Safety Operational Personnel Director Risk Management Ken Thompson Community and Corporate Risk Management Fire Investigation and Research Fire Safety Commercial Safety Training Director State Operations Graham Dewsnap Operational Communications Rescue Hazardous Materials Bushfire and Natural Hazards Counter Terrorism and Aviation ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE 02 GOvERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT The NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB) has been serving the community of New South Wales since 884. Under the Fire Brigades Act 989, the NSWFB is responsible for providing fire prevention, mitigation and suppression services to the 6.8 million people in major metropolitan areas, regional centres and towns across NSW. The NSWFB is also responsible for rescue where accredited, and the Statewide management of hazardous material (hazmat) incidents. Under the provisions of this Act, the NSWFB’s statutory obligations and critical requirements for service delivery are to: Take all practical measures for preventing and extinguishing fires in order to protect and save life and property Take all practical measures for protecting the environment and saving life and property endangered by hazardous material incidents Proceed with all speed to fires or hazardous material incidents Try by all means to extinguish the fire or render the site of the incident safe and save any lives and property that are in danger. During 2005/06 there were no changes to the NSWFB’s enabling legislation. • • • • The Corporate Executive Group, the NSWFB’s senior decision making and policy-making group, met monthly, plus more often when required, during 2005/06. It consisted of the Commissioner and all Directors and Regional Commanders. Composition as at 30 June 2006 was as follows: Commissioner Greg Mullins AFSM MMgt EFO FIFireE FAIM (chair) Executive Project Manager John Anderson AFSM GIFireE Director business Systems and information technology Richard Host BBus MBA Director State Operations Graham Dewsnap AFSM Grad Cert Mgt Director Corporate Strategy Carmel Donnelly BA (Hons) MBA (Executive) Director Finance and administration David Bailey BBus FCPA Director human Resources Mary Grace BA DipEd Director logistics Support Phil Clark BSc MBA Director Risk Management Ken Thompson AFSM BA Grad Cert Mgt AFAIM Regional Commander north Bob Dobson AFSM Grad Cert Mgt GIFireE Regional Commander West Murray Kear AFSM Grad Cert Mgt GIFireE ENABLING LEGISLATION AND OUR ROLE CORPORATE EXECUTIVE GROUP NEW SOUTH WALES FIRE BRIGADES | ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 5 6 6 6 02 GOvERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT . COMMISSIONER Greg Mullins AFSM Mr Mullins became a volunteer bushfire fighter in 972 and joined the NSWFB in 978. As a Churchill Fellow, in 995 he undertook a three-month study of fire services in Europe (including the UK), Canada and the USA. After serving in a variety of operational and specialist positions at all ranks, he was appointed as an Assistant Commissioner in July 996. In 998 he completed a 2-month executive development secondment as a Project Manager with BOC Gases Ltd. He was appointed Director State Operations in November 2000 and Commissioner in July 2003, the first firefighter ever to be appointed to this position. Mr Mullins holds a Masters Degree in Management and Fire Engineering Diplomas. In 2002 he graduated from the Executive Fire Officer Program at the US Fire Academy, and has completed the Oxford Strategic Leadership Program. He is a Fellow of the Institution of Fire Engineers and the Australian Institute of Management. He has been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal, the National Medal and Clasp, the NSW Fire Brigades Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and Clasp, Commissioner’s Commendation for Courageous Action, Chief Officer’s Commendation and the St John Ambulance Emergency Services Award. 2. ExECUTIvE PROJECT MANAGER DEPUTY COMMISSIONER John Anderson AFSM Mr Anderson joined the NSWFB in 966. He was appointed as an Assistant Commissioner in July 996, transferred to the position of Regional Commander (North) in November 998, and thence to Director of State Operations. During 2005/06 he assisted the Commissioner with planning and implementation of the executive and regional restructure. He has gained extensive experience in operational, specialist and management positions. Mr Anderson holds qualifications in fire technology and management and has participated in a variety of executive development programs. He is a Graduate of the Institute of Fire Engineers. He has been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal, the National Medal and two Clasps and the NSW Fire Brigades Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and two Clasps. 3. REGIONAL COMMANDER NORTH Assistant Commissioner Bob Dobson AFSM Mr Dobson joined the NSWFB in 970. He was appointed Deputy Regional Commander North in 999 and Regional Commander North in 2003. Mr Dobson’s studies include the Australian Fire Authorities Intermediate Command Course, NSWFB Management Certificate, TAFE Advanced Commerce Course, Public Sector Management Course and the Defence Industries Studies Course, and he is an affiliate graduate of the Australian College of Defence and Strategic Studies. He has the Post Graduate Certificate in Management from the University of Western Sydney and is a Graduate of the Institute of Fire Engineers. He has been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal, Commendation for Meritorious Service and Clasp, the National Medal and two Clasps, and the NSWFB Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and two Clasps. CORPORATE EXECUTIVE GROUP 1 2 5 6 4. REGIONAL COMMANDER SOUTH Assistant Commissioner John Benson AFSM Mr Benson joined the NSWFB in March 973. After serving in a number of operational and specialist positions, he was appointed as an Assistant Commissioner in November 998. Mr Benson has a Graduate Diploma in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration with a major in Human Resource Management. He is an Associate of the Australian College of Defence and Strategic Studies. He has been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal and the National Medal and Clasp and the NSWFB Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and two Clasps. 5. REGIONAL COMMANDER WEST Assistant Commissioner Murray Kear AFSM Mr Kear joined the NSWFB in 980, and has served in a variety of operational and specialist areas. As well as a varied career as a firefighter and officer, he served as the Training Officer Operational Communications, Operational Commander, Zone Commander, Manager of Commercial Training Services (Comsafe) and Manager of Operational Research Unit, before being appointed as an Assistant Commissioner in July 2003. As well as graduating from a variety of management and executive development programs, Mr Kear has a Graduate Certificate in Applied Management and is currently completing a Post Graduate Diploma in Executive Leadership. He is a Graduate of the Institute of Fire Engineers. He has been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal, the National Medal, Commendation for Meritorious Service, and the NSWFB Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and Clasp. 6. DIRECTOR CORPORATE STRATEGY Carmel Donnelly Ms Donnelly was appointed as Director Corporate Strategy in March 998. She has wide experience in planning, policy and research, information management, statistical consultancy, training and personnel management roles. She is responsible for leadership in corporate, business and service planning, operations research, performance evaluation and information management and technology. Ms Donnelly holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons – Psychology) and a Master of Business Administration (Executive) from the Australian Graduate School of Management. 7. DIRECTOR HUMAN RESOURCES Mary Grace Ms Grace joined the NSWFB in December 2005. She worked as a teacher in NSW Government high schools before becoming an organiser and later an industrial officer with the NSW Teachers’ Federation. In 994 she was awarded a scholarship to the USA to participate in the Harvard University Trade Union Program. She then served as Senior Policy Advisor (Industrial Relations) to the former NSW Attorney General and Minister for Industrial Relations, the Hon. Jeff Shaw. In this role she worked to deliver important industrial relations, health and safety, and workers’ compensation legislative reforms. In 996, Ms Grace joined the Department of Industrial Relations where she became Director of the Women’s Equity Bureau, where she oversighted a range of significant employee relations issues including the Ministerial Inquiry into Pay Equity. In April 200 she was appointed General Manager, Human Resources of the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA). Ms Grace holds a Bachelor of Arts with the Diploma of Education. She is also an accredited workplace relations mediator and workers’ compensation conciliator. 8. DIRECTOR RISK MANAGEMENT Assistant Commissioner Ken Thompson AFSM Mr Thompson joined the NSWFB in June 972 and served in operational and policy areas before being appointed as an Assistant Commissioner in December 994. He was appointed Director State Operations in November 998, and Director Risk Management in November 2000. Mr Thompson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Management. He has completed the Executive Fire Officers’ Program at the United States National Fire Academy. He is an Associate Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management and an Associate of the Australian College of Defence and Strategic Studies. He has been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal, the National Medal and Clasp, the NSWFB Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and two Clasps. NEW SOUTH WALES FIRE BRIGADES | ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 7 3 4 7 8 9 10 8 8 8 02 GOvERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT 9. DIRECTOR STATE OPERATIONS Assistant Commissioner Graham Dewsnap AFSM Mr Dewsnap joined the NSWFB in 977. After serving in a variety of operational and specialist positions, he was appointed to the rank of Assistant Commissioner in January 2003 and served as Regional Commander (West) before being appointed as Director Capability Development and thence to his current position. Mr Dewsnap is an Associate Fellow of the Australian College of Defence and Strategic Studies. He holds a Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Management and a Graduate Diploma in Executive Leadership. He has been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal, National Medal and Clasp and the NSWFB Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and Clasp. 0. DIRECTOR LOGISTICS SUPPORT Phil Clark Mr Clark joined the NSWFB in September 2005. He has wide experience in supply chain and logistics management gained from both the private and government sectors. In addition to logistics functions, he has also managed equipment development, information technology and construction projects. Mr Clark has a Bachelor of Science degree and has also completed a Graduate Diploma of Business and a Master of Business Administration. He is a member of the Logistics Association of Australia. . DIRECTOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Richard Host Mr Host joined the NSWFB in January 2006 and is responsible for the organisation’s information systems, radio, voice and data communications. He is chair of the multi-agency working group responsible for developing the strategy for information management systems in the emergency services sector. He has extensive experience in the strategic use of information and communications technology in the private sector, and in management of large teams of IT professionals. Mr Host holds a Bachelor of Business and a Master of Business Administration, and is a Fellow of the Certified Practising Accountants of Australia, Member of the Australian Computer Society and Graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He is also a director for a not-for-profit organisation. 2. DIRECTOR FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION David Bailey Mr Bailey was appointed as Director of Finance and Administration in November 200. He was previously Assistant Director of Finance since joining the NSWFB in February 998. Mr Bailey has a Bachelor of Business Studies and is a Fellow of the Certified Practising Accountants of Australia. He is also a member of the Australian Institute of Public Administration. CORPORATE EXECUTIVE GROUP 11 12 NEW SOUTH WALES FIRE BRIGADES | ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 9 NEW SOUTH WALES FIRE BRIGADES | ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 9 REPORTING TO THE COMMISSIONER Professional Standards and Conduct Officer Superintendent Peter Stathis AFSM REGION NORTH Deputy Regional Commander north Chief Superintendent Roger Bucholtz AFSM area Commander n3 newcastle A/Chief Superintendent Rob Lindsay Zone Commanders Superintendent Brian Johnson (N) Superintendent Ken Hayes (N2) A/Superintendent Brett Crotty (N4) Superintendent David Gray (N5) Superintendent Geoff Barnes (N6) Superintendent Keith King (N7) Operational Commanders Inspector Graham Chappell (N and N2) Inspector Mark Reilly (N and N2) Inspector Craig Wright (N and N2) Inspector Stephen Rashleigh (N and N2) Inspector Garry Jones (N3) Inspector Steve Hirst (N3) Inspector Peter Smith (N3) Inspector John Waldie (N3) Inspector Mark Delves (N4) Inspector Phil Treacy (N5) Inspector Chris Fabri (N6) Inspector Bob Barton (N7) Inspector Brett Davies (N7) Inspector Ian Pentony (N7) Inspector Ron Sinclair (N7) REGION SOUTH Deputy Regional Commander South Chief Superintendent Paul Rugg AFSM area Commander S3 illawarra A/Chief Superintendent Gary Meers Zone Commanders Superintendent Michael Guymer (S) Superintendent Douglas Williams (S2) Superintendent Colin Holmes (S4) Superintendent Wayne Roberts (S5) Superintendent Garry McBain (S6) Superintendent Stephen Davis (S7) Operational Commanders Inspector Gregory O’Connor (S) Inspector Wayne Buxton (S) Inspector Graham Webb (S) Inspector Phil Bedford (S) Inspector Bob Gouttman (S2) Inspector Garry Hills (S2) Inspector Michael Gibson (S2) Inspector Ronald Love (S3) Inspector Jay Bland (S3) Inspector Russell Arlington (S3) Inspector Gregory Adams (S3) Inspector Christopher Cruden (S3 S5 S7) Inspector Gregory Houston (S4) Inspector Christopher Bond (S5) Inspector Ross Brogan AFSM (S6) Inspector Bradley Harrison (S6) Inspector Peter Fernandez (S6) Inspector Philip Tucker (S6) Inspector Stephen McGuinness (S7) REGION WEST Deputy Regional Commander West Chief Superintendent Michael Hurley AFSM Zone Commanders Superintendent Steven Pearce (W) Superintendent Andrew McLeod (W2) Superintendent Anthony Grant (W3) Superintendent Neil Harris (W4) Superintendent Michael Brown (W5) Superintendent Peter Murgatroyd (W6) Superintendent Gary Galwey (W7) Operational Commanders Inspector Gordon Boath (W) Inspector Glenn Launt (W) Inspector Phillip Harlock (W) Inspector Nicholas Ferrante (W) Inspector Lindsay West (W2) Inspector Martin Hofstadler (W2) Inspector John Spencer (W2) Inspector Alex Scott (W2) Inspector Steven Bearman (W3) Inspector Greg Lewis (W4) Inspector Adam Dewberry (W5) Inspector Gary Picken (W6) Inspector Brett Ryan (W6) Inspector Glen Lord (W6) Inspector Mark Cavanough (W6) Inspector David Felton (W7) SENIOR MANAGERS as at June 2006 20 20 20 02 GOvERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT SENIOR MANAGERS as at June 2006 RISK MANAGEMENT assistant Director built Environment and Research Chief Superintendent Ken Bryant AFSM assistant Director Community and Corporate Risk Management Chief Superintendent Jim Smith Manager Fire Safety Division Superintendent Chris Jurgeit Manager Fire investigation and Research unit Superintendent Chris Lewis Manager False alarm Reduction unit Superintendent Warwick Isemonger Manager Commercial Safety training Services (ComSafe) Superintendent Selwyn Mathias STATE OPERATIONS assistant Director Specialised Operations Chief Superintendent Jim Hamilton AFSM assistant Director Operational Communications Chief Superintendent Mark Whybro Manager Operational Policy and Procedures Superintendent Chris Shapter Manager Operational Readiness Superintendent Glen Sheedy Manager Operational Communication Centres Superintendent Alan Cooper Manager Rescue Superintendent John Denny AFSM Manager hazardous Materials Response unit Superintendent Robert McNeil Manager bushfire/natural hazards Superintendent Gerry Byrne a/Manager Counter terrorism and aviation A/Superintendent Steve Baker INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY assistant Director Communications Mr John Shenstone Operations Manager (Communications) Ms Christine Herridge Manager FireCaD Mr Tony Bedingfield Manager information Systems Group Mr Steve Edwards Manager Operational information Service Superintendent Robert Murray CORPORATE STRATEGY a/assistant Director Public affairs and Communication Strategy unit Mr Christian Fanker Manager Strategy and Planning Superintendent Greg Buckley Manager Strategic information Service Mr Nick Nicolopoulos PSM Manager Planning and Performance Evaluation Mr Paul Johnston FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION assistant Director Finance Ms Lota vargas Manager Corporate administration and Executive Support Ms Anne Fien PSM Senior legal Officer Mr Peter Hearne Manager Records/archivist Ms Maureen Swords HUMAN RESOURCES assistant Director learning & Development Chief Superintendent Michael Ryan AFSM assistant Director Capability Development Ms Lorraine Teagle assistant Director Employee Services Ms Julie Duncan assistant Director Occupational health and Safety Ms Kathryn Heiler assistant Director Operational Personnel Chief Superintendent John Spiteri AFSM LOGISTICS SUPPORT assistant Director Fleet Mr Peter Fanning assistant Director Properties Mr John Gibbs assistant Director Supply Mr Ted Mlynarz assistant Director Operational logistics Chief Superintendent Hans Bootsma AFSM Manager Engineering Mr Hue Pham NEW SOUTH WALES FIRE BRIGADES | ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 2 NEW SOUTH WALES FIRE BRIGADES | ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 2 During 2005/06, the Commissioner commenced an executive and operational restructure of the NSWFB. This new structure has been designed to meet the changing needs of the community and the NSWFB in the 2st century by addressing significant environmental and organisational challenges that the previous 5-year- old structure could no longer properly accommodate. It will ensure that the NSWFB remains a world class fire and rescue service, delivering excellence in emergency risk management to the people of NSW. The restructure, developed after two years of analysis and consultation, is progressing in four stages. Stages One and Two, which have been completed, involved the restructure of the NSWFB’s executive, including the appointment of new Directors in the areas of Human Resources, Logistics Support and Information Technology, as well as the appointment of two new Deputy Commissioners with responsibility for Emergency Management and Capability and Support. In 2006/07, Stages Three and Four will be implemented. These involve replacing the existing three-region structure with a dual metropolitan/regional structure. This will improve operational efficiency, will ensure regional issues are adequately addressed at the executive level, and will produce greater consistency across operational areas. Seven new Area Commands will also be established, each under the control of a Chief Superintendent, and with each Area Command overseeing three Zones. The current number of Zones (2) will remain, although some administrative boundaries will change to align more closely with local government areas and emergency management districts across NSW. The focus will be on providing better support to Zones and fire stations from the executive level. The NSWFB’s Human Resources Division was also restructured during the year to further improve service to the front line. The Capability Development Division was absorbed into Human Resources in order to integrate training and development with human resources management. The NSWFB’s internal committee structure is also being reviewed to improve governance. The existing committee structure is being replaced with three new Steering Committees responsible for overseeing our three programs (ie Community Safety, Operational Preparedness and Emergency Response). Further work is underway on the restructure implementation plan, including determining how the support services currently located at regional level can be best positioned across the new structure. BENCHMARKING The NSWFB benchmarks itself against other Australian emergency service organisations through a range of benchmarking exercises. Every year we participate in the Steering Committee for the Review of Government Service Provision annual Report on Government Services, which reports on selected emergency events including fire, ambulance and emergency road rescue events. The report uses the key functions common to emergency service organisations (ie prevention/ mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery) as a framework for comparing jurisdictional performance in managing emergencies. The NSWFB represents all NSW emergency services agencies on the Emergency Management Working Group which coordinates NSW input into the emergency management chapter of this Report. On behalf of fire services around Australia, we also act as the data clearinghouse, collating and compiling the data outputs for inclusion to the Report. Within the NSWFB, the findings of the Report on Government Services are used as valuable and valid feedback on our performance. See Five Year Performance Indicators in this section and other indicators in the Performance chapters for more details. ExTERNAL REvIEWS During 2005/06, the NSW Audit Office conducted three performance audits which reviewed aspects of the operations and activities of a number of agencies, including the NSWFB. Coordination of Rescue Services – State Rescue Board of NSW (report released July 2005): This report reviewed overall rescue arrangements in NSW as overseen through the State Rescue Board. Implementing Asset Management Reforms (report released October 2005): This report reviewed the asset management of three agencies, including the NSWFB. Agency Use of Performance Information to Manage Services (report released June 2006): This report reviewed the programs of ten agencies, including the NSWFB’s Community Safety: Prevention and Community Preparedness program. The recommendations of these reviews have been carefully considered by the NSWFB, and where required, measures have been introduced to address the various issues raised. • • • EXECUTIVE AND OPERATIONAL RESTRUCTURE 22 22 22 Early July 2005 Heavy flooding Hits nsW’s far nortH Coast When not responding to emergency calls, which can range from major fires in chemical plants, high-rise buildings or bushland, through to a person trapped in a wrecked car following a road accident or a spillage of highly-toxic substances, nsWfB staff are working hard either to prevent such emergencies, or preparing to deal with them. australia’s largest urban fire and rescue service is a well-oiled machine, ready to go into action 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. operators at the four inter-linked communication/dispatch centres answer 000 emergency calls and automatic fire alarms within seconds, and the advanced computer- aided-dispatch system (fireCad) recommends what resources to send, then automatically alerts fire officers. in country areas, most nsWfB stations are staffed by retained fire officers, who are alerted by phone and pager then respond to the fire station. in the major cities and towns, full-time fire officers are alerted by lights and alarms at the fire station, or by two-way radio when working on community safety or pre-planning exercises. for every conceivable type of emergency, there is a predetermined response that statistics show can usually handle the situation. When the first fire engine, which always has a team of four fire officers, comprising a commander and crew of three, arrives on the scene, the commander conducts a rapid ‘size up’ of the situation, and if necessary, sends a priority radio message (Code red) calling for more help. as an incident escalates, senior officers who manage the service on a day-to-day basis respond to manage the emergency, not unlike a well-organised military operation. as an incident progresses, non-uniformed support staff and resources are often called upon to put aside their administrative and other duties to work in critical support functions such as the logistics division, or at the Major incident Coordination Centre. When the incident is under control, the nsWfB goes into recovery mode, helping victims and businesses to get back on their feet. a ‘normal’ day for a fire officer includes routine equipment checks and servicing, studies for promotion, training sessions, pre-incident planning, public education, and fitness training. all of this is put aside the moment an emergency call is received, so that help is sent as quickly as possible. SaMPlE OF INCIDENTS rESPONDED TO aND PrEVENTION PrOJECTS 03 year in Brief neW soUtH Wales fire Brigades | annUal rePort 2005-2006 23 neW soUtH Wales fire Brigades | annUal rePort 2005-2006 23 australia is no stranger to wild weather and the nsWfB often responds as part of a multi-agency response when storm, floods or strong wind damage homes and businesses in nsW. very heavy rainfall led to major flooding in the tweed, Brunswick Heads/ocean shores, Ballina and lismore areas in early July. the nsWfB worked closely with the ses and other agencies to clean up after the floods, with fire crews answering more than 200 calls for assistance. eleven nsWfB crews worked long and hard, evacuating stranded residents, performing rescues, dealing with environmental problems, assisting with medical emergencies, numerous fires, and carrying out recovery work including pumping out basements, washing away mud and debris and pumping out contaminated swimming pools. rescued the nsWfB is the largest provider of road accident rescue services in the state. in March 2006 we formally launched rescued, a road safety education program which aims to reduce the number of young people killed or injured on the state’s roads. this program, which is aimed at year 7-10 students, features a motor vehicle rescue demonstration (which includes cutting up a car), the video ‘tim’s story’ about a wheelchair-bound accident victim, and discussion of the causes and consequences of road accidents and how to prevent these. during 2005/06, fire officers from nsWfB Primary and secondary rescue stations delivered rescued presentations to high school students throughout the state. on 27 March, Wingham fire officers delivered rescued to students at Wingham High. these fire officers were surprised to discover that not only did most of the students have driver’s licences, but most had already been in a a car accident! in early May, local fire officers presented rescued to more than 200 year 10 students at tweed river High school, and on 22 June, to 130 students at Monaro High school Cooma as part of the Crossroads education program. 24 24 SaMPlE OF INCIDENTS rESPONDED TO aND PrEVENTION PrOJECTS 24 03 year in Brief THrOuGHOuT 2005/06 CoMMUnity fire Units PrePare for tHe BUsHfire season 31 auGuST 2005 trUCk CrasHes into BroUgHton Creek, leaking fUel and oil a semi-trailer overturned on Broughton Creek Bridge, near Berry on the south Coast, leaving the driver trapped inside the truck’s upturned cabin which was hanging precariously over the river. the truck’s load, a shipping container, was torn apart. diesel and vegetable oil were also leaking into the creek which feeds the shoalhaven river, thus threatening to contaminate an important natural waterway. nsW fire officers from shellharbour worked closely with the ses, nsW ambulance, nsW Police, nsW department of environment and Conservation, the rfs and the roads and traffic authority to deal with this emergency. the truck’s instability delayed operations for three hours until large cranes could be brought in from nowra and liverpool to haul the truck up. Community fire Units (CfUs) are groups of local residents in high-risk urban/bushland interface areas who are trained and equipped to participate in hazard reduction, to help the fire services during bushfires, and to promote fire safety and prevention in their communities. CfU volunteers prepare their own properties and protect them from spot fires or ember attack until the fire services arrive. CfU training days were held regularly at key locations throughout the state during 2005/06 and continued to attract big crowds, with attendances reaching more than 1000 at some events. at these days, CfU volunteers developed their skills in using and maintaining firefighting equipment, hoses, hydrants and portable pumps, as well as learning first aid. representatives from the nsW rural fire service, nsW Police, nsW ambulance, st Johns ambulance, national Parks and Wildlife service, the state emergency service and local councils also gave presentations on their role during bushfires and information issues such as caring for native flora and fauna and preparing fellow residents for evacuation. However the driver was eventually freed from his vehicle and treated for injuries, the semi-trailer lifted back onto the bridge, the fuel and oil spill contained with booms, and an exhaustive cleanup of the scene carried out. the vegetable oil had soaked into the rocks and ground, making removal difficult, so crews had to blast these with high-pressure hoses in order to move the oil downstream where it could be caught by the booms for easy removal with scoops. after more than 10 hours hard work, the crash was fully cleared and Broughton Creek was restored to its natural state. neW soUtH Wales fire Brigades | annUal rePort 2005-2006 25 26 26 SaMPlE OF INCIDENTS rESPONDED TO aND PrEVENTION PrOJECTS 26 03 year in Brief 29 NOVEMbEr 2005 fire CreWs on standBy as Plane Makes eMergenCy landing at keMPsey 4 DECEMbEr 2005 Battling CHeMiCal sPills in orange faCtory the nsWfB is the primary response agency for hazardous materials in nsW. Chemical, biological and radiological incidents frequently affect transport routes, building and industrial sites and can impact residential areas, road-users, industrial workers and the environment. in december nsWfB fire officers responded to deal with a spill of 100 litres of isocyanate inside a factory in orange, with fire crews from as far away as dubbo and lithgow called to assist. isocyanate is a chemical used in a range of manufactured products such as coatings, but exposure to it can cause serious injury. nsWfB staff used information from factory management and chemical databases to determine the best method for handling the chemical. the chemical had flowed under machinery, creating access problems for fire crews and prolonging the incident. fire crews wearing fully-encapsulated suits and self-contained breathing apparatus operated in rotation, reclaiming as much of the spilt chemical as possible and then absorbing residual material for disposal. decontamination facilities were established on site. due to the risk of heat stress from wearing protective equipment, ambulance officers monitored the condition of the fire officers and remained on standby to help anyone was affected by the chemical. the incident was finally completed after 22 hours. the nsWfB responds to a wide range of transport emergencies – on road, rail, air and water in conjunction with other emergency services, including police, ambulance, ses and rfs. a multi-agency response to these emergencies requires high levels of communication and co-operation between all services to ensure functional and effective management of the emergencies. on 29 november 2005 fire officers were called to provide fire protection at kempsey airport for a light plane forced to make an emergency landing after its landing gear malfunctioned. the plane was a single-engine Mooney M20 carrying 70 litres of fuel but no other hazardous payload. the pilot informed the control tower that a nose wheel strut had jammed and was expected to collapse on landing. various safety measures were implemented, including ensuring all fire officers were wearing full protective equipment, preparing foam in case of fire, and assigning an aircraft to fly close to the stricken plane and visually report on it. the pilot made several test approaches before landing. emergency service crews took up positions beside the runway, with fire crews standing by ready to apply foam in the event of fire. the plane landed safely with only minor damage to the undercarriage, and was towed away to a hangar for assessment. neW soUtH Wales fire Brigades | annUal rePort 2005-2006 27 1 JaNuary 2006 BUsHfires rage on tHe Central Coast on new year’s day, northwesterly winds and 44° temperatures combined to fan a rapid bushfire which started on Woy Woy road, a key access road, and soon threatened the Central Coast communities of Woy Woy, Phegans Bay and Horsfield Bay. nsWfB and rfs fire crews responded quickly to fight this fire, battling atrocious weather conditions and difficult terrain to save all but three homes with no injuries sustained. However, Woy Woy road soon became impassable due to the fire and downed powerlines, so firefighting reinforcements were forced to take a longer alternative route, which left the original fire crews fighting the fire on their own for some time. no sooner had this threat eased when a second fire burning to the south threatened the ridge-top development of Umina Heights. further strike teams were sent from sydney, newcastle, Maitland and state training College recruits to ensure sufficient resources to protect lives and property. shortly after the weather changed, with strong southerly winds pushing fires to the north. the Bays’ fire raced northwards through Brisbane Waters national Park and headed directly for kariong, with the only thing in its path the emergency operations Centre! fortunately a dying wind and previously burnt area meant that the fire subsided before reaching the Centre. operations continued over the next couple of days to contain both these fires, as well as other fires burning at Mount White (which had closed the f3 freeway) and gunderman. 25 MarCH 2006 BUrning tanker fire in fUel dePot tHreatens village nsWfB and rfs fire crews were called to deal with a b-double tanker on fire in a fuel storage depot in the village of albert, 64kms southwest of trangie. the tanker was carrying around 14 000 litres of diesel and unleaded petrol. the fire was threatening nearby houses as well as several partly-full tanks and another tanker in the depot. after ensuring all the village’s residents were evacuated and accounted for, fire officers acted quickly to extinguish the fire, maintaining a foam blanket to suppress any vapours while the fuel cooled. they also contained the contaminated runoff by bunding it with earth. the site was eventually made safe by isolating the fuel depot and by skimming the remaining diesel/fuel mixture into 200-litre drums. vapour levels were monitored throughout the incident. a blackout in the area that lasted all day, severely hampering phone and radio communications. limited water supplies also meant water had to be pumped by tankers acting in relay. 28 28 SaMPlE OF INCIDENTS rESPONDED TO aND PrEVENTION PrOJECTS 28 03 year in Brief 2 JaNuary 2006 inferno in large WareHoUse Warehouse fires are among the largest and the most difficult types of building fires, due to their size, the unknown and often very flammable fuel load, the firefighting hazards posed by their construction, and their close proximity to other properties. on 2 January nsWfB fire crews were called to a burning warehouse at Botany. the building was a large two-story concrete-and- corrugated iron structure containing a large variety of items including motorbikes, plastic goods and foodstuff. these goods fed the rapid growth of the fire which soon threatened other nearby warehouses and emitting a dense pall of thick black smoke. this smoke spread across residential areas and sydney airport, forcing fire officers working downwind of the fire to use breathing apparatus, and prompting the nsWfB to issue a media warning to sydney residents warning of the potential health risks. during the incident, massive explosions ripped through the interior. the fire’s intensity was so great that the entire building collapsed, however outstanding work by fire crews prevented the fire spreading to adjacent buildings. after more than four hours, the fire was finally brought under control. fire crews remained on site for another two days to ensure the fire did not reignite. neW soUtH Wales fire Brigades | annUal rePort 2005-2006 29 29 aPrIl 2006 ProMoting fire safety at oPen day on the nsWfB’s annual open day, tens of thousands of people visited fire stations across the state to see what goes on ‘behind the scenes’ in australia’s busiest fire and rescue service. fire crews gave talks and demonstrations on fire safety in the home, and advised families how to prepare home escape plans and what they should do if a fire breaks out. Many crews set up safety displays, staged demonstrations of firefighting equipment such as fire extinguishers and fire blankets, familiarised children with what a fire officer looks like in full firefighting or chemical protective clothing, or demonstrated the nsWfB’s rescue capabilities. a major focus this year was promoting smoke alarms, lifesaving devices which give early warning of fire, thus allowing people time to escape safely. open day generated considerable media interest and fire officers made the most of the opportunity to communicate fire safety messages to a wider audience. a large number of safety brochures, fact sheets and Brigade kids Cds were distributed. the public feedback was invaluable in helping the nsWfB to understand community needs and expectations. 18 MarCH 2006 ConstrUCtion Worker traPPed Under eartH CollaPse at liverPool nsWfB fire officers were called to a liverpool building construction site where a 50-tonne earthen wall had collapsed, trapping a construction worker against a concrete slab eight metres below street level. the man was buried up to his waist in heavy clay, and was caged by steel reinforcing bars. fire officers and construction workers shored up the retaining wall to prevent further collapse. fire officers cut through the steel reinforcing rods to allow access to the trapped construction worker, and used hand tools to dig around the victim as heavy machinery was too risky. the trapped worker’s legs were encased in thick wet clay, requiring slow careful work by rescuers while ambulance officers kept his condition stable. to ease the victim’s pain a harness was slipped over the man, attached to an aerial platform and carefully lifted to take weight off the lower half of his body. after an ordeal lasting four hours, the man was freed and taken to hospital for treatment. 30 30 SaMPlE OF INCIDENTS rESPONDED TO aND PrEVENTION PrOJECTS 30 03 year in Brief 10 May 2006 HistoriC CHUrCH goes UP in flaMes at 3.30 am the nsWfB was called to reports of a church on fire in Ultimo. When fire crews arrived they found the historic st Barnabas church already engulfed in fire, with flames extending through the windows and high above the roof. the fire was also threatening neighbouring buildings, forcing the evacuation of 350 people. fire crews concentrated on containing the fire to the church and protecting an adjoining church hall and the hotel. three aerial appliances were used to direct water from above. as the church’s walls were unstable, exclusion zones were set up around the building to ensure the safety of fire officers and the public. after a fierce two-hour battle, fire officers eventually contained the fire, preventing it spreading to nearby buildings, however the church and upper level of the adjacent church hall was destroyed. no-one was injured. fire crews remained on the scene well into the next day to mop up, monitor and contain water run-off, and to help Police and nsWfB investigations. neW soUtH Wales fire Brigades | annUal rePort 2005-2006 31 neW soUtH Wales fire Brigades | annUal rePort 2005-2006 31 3 JuNE 2006 staying alive WitH national esCaPe day 30 May-15 JuNE 2006 assisting reCovery froM tHe devastating indonesian eartHqUake in combination with working smoke alarms, a well-rehearsed escape plan greatly increases the chances of survival in the event of fire. the nsWfB helped to organise national escape day which was held on 3 June 2006, and was sponsored by Mcdonalds and supported by other interstate fire services. this day was chosen as it is the first saturday of winter, a peak time for house fires. national escape day was widely promoted across australia through media coverage, promotions in local communities and through fire stations and Mcdonalds restaurants. this day focused community attention on the importance of home fire safety with fire officers helping the public to fill out their own tray mat escape plan at Mcdonalds outlets. in June 2006, the nsWfB provided logistical capability overseas following a major earthquake in Java, indonesia. two nsWfB fire officers were sent as part of an australian medical assistance team to establish emergency health services in yogyakarta. the role of our staff was to help the medical team to be self-sustainable with their water, shelter, food and hygiene requirements, as well as providing rescue equipment to support the doctors. to ensure the medical and triage centre established by the relief team was serviceable, our fire officers deployed much of the 12-tonne cache of nsWfB equipment airlifted to indonesia. this equipment included generators, lights, food (ready-to-eat meals), portable toilets, showers, water purifiers, mosquito nets, decontamination and satellite communication equipment. our staff also supervised local transport teams who used vehicles to ferry equipment and casualties between hospitals. 32 32 SaMPlE OF INCIDENTS rESPONDED TO aND PrEVENTION PrOJECTS 32 03 year in Brief 23 JuNE 2006 MUlgrave Paint faCtory fire nsWfB and rfs fire officers were called to a fire at Mulgrave in sydney’s northwest. on arrival fire crews found a factory well- alight, and with neighbouring property and a large tank holding flammable liquid also under threat. fearing the fire would spread, police and fire officers evacuated the building as well as adjacent factories, and surrounding streets including busy Windsor road were closed off. fire officers then attacked the fire. However, fuelled by flammable liquids such as paints and thinners, the fire spread rapidly, generating intense heat and producing a huge column of smoke visible across the city. further fire crews were responded, with 100 fire officers from 14 nsWfB brigades and six rfs brigades ultimately involved in fighting the fire. a special foam-carrying fire truck from the raaf’s richmond air Base was also called in to extinguish flammable liquids burning inside the building. the factory was used for the production and storage of aerosol spray paint. it was heavily stocked at the time of the fire with lPg cylinders and drums of paint and thinners, many of which exploded, generating fireballs within the smoke plume. numerous aerosol cans also exploded, creating a projectile hazard for fire officers and littering the surrounding area with burnt cans. neW soUtH Wales fire Brigades | annUal rePort 2005-2006 33 fire crews positioned large diameter hoses in an effort to cut the fire off. ladder trucks were also set up to deliver elevated water streams onto the fire. nsWfB and rfs fire trucks were connected in series, pumping water to the burning factory in order to provide enough water for firefighting. the intense heat weakened the factory’s concrete structure, threatened to topple the front wall onto a nearby bulk flammable liquid tank. to ensure fire officers could operate safely, a collapse zone was established around the building. the tank was kept cool during the firefighting operations. With assistance from staff from the local council and nsW department of environment and Conservation, the nsWfB’s Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Unit dammed the contaminated water running off from the fire. this successfully contained the polluted water, ready for collection by waste contractors. When night fell bringing cooler temperatures, the smoke generated by the fire settled over a large area. as a health precaution, fire officers advised local residents to remain indoors for the night. the efforts of fire officers proved effective in containing the fire to the building of origin and successfully protecting all surrounding property, although the paint factory itself was extensively damaged. due to structural damage making access difficult, small fires continued to burn sluggishly for two days. fire crews continued firefighting duties for two days while the HazMat unit contained and removed all the waste water. 34 COMMUNITY SAFETY Prevention and Community Preparedness 34 04 PERFORMANCE NEW SOUTH WALES FIRE BRIGADES | ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 35 OBJECTIVES TO REDUCE THE NUMBER AND SEVERITY OF EMERGENCY INCIDENTS, DEATHS, INJURIES AND PROPERTY DAMAGE IN THE COMMUNITY THROUGH EFFECTIVE PREVENTION AND PREPAREDNESS PROGRAMS TO HELP PEOPLE PREPARE FOR EMERGENCIES BY BUILDING COMMUNITY CAPACITY AND RESILIENCE. • • PRIORITIES Address the safety needs of key at- risk community groups Conduct effective community education programs Establish and support station-based safety and prevention activities Develop strategic partnerships to enhance community safety Increase community and business preparedness Provide inspection, investigation, regulatory and advisory services Research, identify and address major community risks. HIGHLIGHTS Led the introduction of legislation making smoke alarms mandatory in all NSW homes from 1 May 2006 Increased community safety awareness through a major public information campaign, ‘Be Safe Not Sorry’, promoting smoke alarms and other key safety messages Delivered workplace emergency management training to over 30 000 participants from external organisations through 1758 courses, increasing business preparedness for emergencies Led the national push for reduced fire-risk cigarettes, which will greatly decrease a key fire hazard that causes death, injury and property damage Conducted specialist investigations into 323 fires and explosions, and determined the cause in 72.1% of cases Set up a further 22 Community Fire Units, taking the total to 314 CFUs operated by 5500 volunteers Through the SABRE program, visited 10 660 homes to install new smoke alarms or check previously- installed alarms. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Involved in assessing, advising on and approving fire detection and suppression systems in the Lane Cove and Tugun road tunnels, Chatswood-to-Epping Rail Link and major defence infrastructure Implemented a major business sponsorship program to partner with suitable commercial organisations to deliver community safety projects Delivered FireED and PreED fire safety education in 2455 visits to primary schools and preschools Carried out inspections in commercial, industrial and residential buildings including hospitals, aged care facilities and hazardous sites Promoted home escape plans through National Escape Day which was sponsored by McDonalds and supported by interstate fire services Our Accelerant Detection Canine and handler investigated 129 incidents, and delivered 64 lectures and 41 demonstrations Piloted the Fire Risk Identification Guide project to reduce firefighting risks at house fires. • • • • • • • FUTURE DIRECTIONS Use improved technology and information-gathering to identify hazards and risk groups, allowing better targeting of prevention programs Work co-operatively with other fire and emergency services to plan and deliver key safety messages Continue the Safer Houses research project to evaluate the behaviour and impact of new building materials and techniques in Class 1a buildings (free-standing houses) under fire conditions Carry out further community education campaigns to promote smoke alarms and home escape plans Set up more CFUs in high bushfire risk areas, and improve and expand training to existing units Audit emergency plans and advise on management of dangerous goods and hazardous sites under new State legislation Extend media training of operational personnel and encourage fire crews to communicate safety information to the public via the media Develop further our strategic partnerships with other NSW Government agencies such as the NSW Department of Housing to increase all aspects of fire safety Increase industry-specific workplace safety training and continue to deliver training to overseas fire services Develop more partnerships with the business community to jointly deliver prevention programs and public information campaigns using the mass media Implement our Ethnic Affairs Priorities Statement Forward Plan to improve safety and confidence in culturally diverse communities across NSW. • • • • • • • • • • • NEW SOUTH WALES FIRE BRIGADES | ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 35 04 PERFORMANCE 36 36 36 Performance Reporting Intermediate Results Indicator or Measure 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 Result Indicators Emergency incidents prevented where possible Accidental residential structure fires reported per 100 000 households in NSW 136.5 131.3 138.1 Incendiary/suspicious fires attended by NSWFB per 100 000 population 169.0 169.6 159.2 Property fires attended by NSWFB per 100 000 population 190.3 186.3 172.2 Bush and grass fires in NSWFB Fire Districts per 100 000 population 165.1 168.1 189.7 Communities are resilient and well-prepared for likely risks % households with smoke alarm 72 71.3 76.9* % residential structure fires where people require rescue by NSWFB (ie cannot evacuate by themselves) 1.8 1.7 1.9 Community Fire Units established in bush/residential interface 250 292 314 Service Measures Emergency incidents prevented where possible % fires with probable cause determined 72.1 71.3 72.1 Number of building inspections undertaken 1628 1554 1170 Communities are resilient and well-prepared for likely risks PreEd and FireED child education presentations delivered 1207 2101 2455 At-risk homes visited to install or check smoke alarms 1469 2868 10 660 ComSafe emergency management training courses conducted 1644 1543 1758 Hospital accreditation inspections undertaken n/a 105 163 * Source: NSW Population Health Survey (HOIST), Centre for Epidemiology and Research, NSW Department of Health. The 2005/06 figure is derived from HOIST surveys carried out up until the end of 2005. Smoke alarm penetration is expected to continue rising as ongoing community education carried out by the NSWFB and other agencies and organisations takes effect. COMMUNITY SAFETY Prevention and Community Preparedness NEW SOUTH WALES FIRE BRIGADES | ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 37 Community prevention and preparedness programs focus on engaging the community and other partners to increase awareness of risk and to deliver measurable improvements in community safety. ADDRESS THE SAFETY NEEDS OF KEY AT-RISK COMMUNITY GROUPS The NSWFB uses a risk management approach to dealing with both community and corporate risk. Accurate identification and analysis of risks allows more focussed use of resources by targeting particular at-risk groups and risk behaviours within the community. Research clearly shows that some segments of the community are considerably more at risk from fire and other emergencies than the general population. Therefore, as well as producing general safety programs, the NSWFB targets these at-risk groups with specially-tailored community safety programs, as follows: CULTURALLY AND LINGUISTICALLY DIVERSE COMMUNITIES The NSWFB’s Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) program seeks to increase community education, safety and confidence in culturally diverse communities across NSW. During the year, we appointed a permanent CALD Coordinator whose aims are: to help fire officers and other agencies to educate culturally diverse community members in fire safety principles to provide NSWFB fire officers with communication strategies to overcome difficulties with cross-cultural interactions and engage with their local communities, and to increase CALD community awareness education and confidence on fire safety issues. The NSWFB has developed an Ethnic Affairs Priorities Statement (EAPS) Forward Plan 2006-08 (see Appendix 8). Our EAPS Forward Plan interprets the NSW Principles of Multiculturalism in relation to the NSWFB’s core business goals of fire prevention and emergency management as set out in our Corporate Plan, Results and Services Plan, and business plans. The Plan outlines targeted service delivery strategies in a culturally and linguistically diverse environment for 2006/07. It also serves as a starting point to explore the possibility of NSWFB becoming a key EAPS agency by 2008 by intensifying its focus on implementing the Principles of Multiculturalism. This Plan was presented to the Community Relations Commission in May 2006. The City of Sydney Harmony Day celebrations in March 2006 were a culmination of months of work by various organisations including the NSWFB, May Murray Neighbourhood Centre in Marrickville, Sydney City Council, Department of Immigration, • • • NSW Department of Education and Training, and the Community Relations Commission. The involvement of the NSWFB and other agencies enabled wide dissemination of fire safety and emergency management information to people visiting Sydney Town Hall. The NSWFB also actively participated in Harmony Day celebrations in Wagga Wagga, Queanbeyan and Wollongong to promote our service delivery and role as an emergency service. During the year, we translated safety fact sheets into five more languages – French, German, Hindi, Japanese and Thai – and placed these on our multi-lingual CD and website. These translations provide key safety messages in 27 different languages to help our staff in delivering critical fire and life safety information to their local communities. In 2006, the NSWFB disseminated key fire safety information to a number of CALD communities in Campbelltown in partnership with the Macarthur Diversity Services. Our fire officers presented 24 safety talks to communities from diverse backgrounds about the new smoke alarm legislation, smoke alarm maintenance, home escape plans and other fire safety information, and distributed the translated safety fact sheets. This year Subaru Australia in Parramatta sponsored the CALD Coordinator’s vehicle which has proven successful in promoting key fire safety messages to CALD communities. 38 38 CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE FireED and PreED Fire Safety Education Children are a key at-risk group because of their young age and inexperience with the dangers of fire. Analysis of NSW house fire deaths shows that children under four years of age are more than twice at risk of death than the average. The NSWFB’s FireED program teaches fire safety practices and behaviours to young children which could save both their lives and those of their families. Easily- understood safety messages such as ‘Get Down Low and Go, Go, Go!’ are taught to children attending kindergarten and Year 1 in primary schools, with a modified version of FireED called PreEd covering early childhood centres. During 2005/06 NSWFB fire officers delivered 1053 FireED presentations and 1402 PreED presentations. FireED is currently being reviewed, with a new version due for release in 2006/07. This revised version will fit within the NSW school curriculum and will include other improvements to enhance FireED’s effectiveness. Intervention and Fire Awareness Program The NSWFB’s Annual Statistical Report indicates that at least 3000 fires annually, representing nearly 10% of all fires in NSW, are started by children. The NSWFB’s Intervention and Fire Awareness Program (IFAP) aims to reduce the number and severity of fires lit by children. During 2005/06 IFAP received and managed 62 new cases, with some referrals coming directly from our fire officers on the fireground. IFAP provides a combination of information, education and suggested strategies to influence behaviour change that reduces or stops child fireplay. It includes home visits by trained staff and home fire safety audits, as well as followup calls to determine if the fireplay behaviour is continuing. Concerned parents or carers can access these free and confidential services 24 hours a day 7 days a week by calling 1800 600 700. During the year, we collaborated with the NSW Severe Burn Injury Service/ Greater Metropolitan Clinical Taskforce in a strategic partnership that aims to reduce burns to children. The two organisations produced and distributed a joint fact sheet, First Aid for Burn Injuries. Surveys of parents or carers reporting a child involved in fireplay indicated that a range of diagnosed disabilities and disorders were present in 38% of cases. To address this issue the NSWFB produced a basic Disability and Disorder Dictionary. This Dictionary gives Intervention Officers, fire officers, parents and carers a range of information and strategies to help them more successfully communicate fire safety messages to children suffering from these disabilities and disorders. During the year, we participated in research sponsored by the New Zealand Fire Service and carried out by University of Auckland’s Psychology Department. This study is seeking to develop international best practice in programs to reduce deliberately-lit fires. We also led the way in having the Building Code of Australia reviewed in relation to fire safety in childcare centres to ensure that children and their carers were provided with a safer environment. Youth Justice Conferences The NSWFB signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the NSW Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) in May 2006. Under the terms of the agreement, the DJJ will notify us of fire- related youth justice conferences, and wherever possible, we will provide a fire officer to attend these conferences. 04 PERFORMANCE COMMUNITY SAFETY Prevention and Community Preparedness NEW SOUTH WALES FIRE BRIGADES | ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 39 NEW SOUTH WALES FIRE BRIGADES | ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006 39 When a young person commits an offence, they cause hurt, loss or damage to others. Youth justice conferences bring the young offender together with members of their community in order to encourage the offender to take responsibility for their actions and to help repair the harm they have caused. Young offenders may be less likely to re-offend if they can talk with fire officers at such conferences and become aware of the consequences of their firelighting. RescuED In NSW, people under 26 represent only 15% of drivers, but comprise 36% of road deaths. The NSWFB is the largest provider of road accident rescue services in the State. In March 2006 we formally launched RescuED, a road safety education program which aims to reduce the number of young people killed or injured on the State’s roads. This program, which is aimed at year 7-10 students, features a motor vehicle rescue demonstration, the video ‘Tim’s Story’, and discussion of the causes and consequences of road accidents and how to prevent these. During 2005/06, fire officers from NSWFB Primary and Secondary Rescue stations delivered 108 RescuED presentations to high school students. Ongoing consultation with fire officers delivering this program will allow further development and improvement of RescuED. SENIORS Research shows that 31% of all fire deaths occur among people 65 years and older, who are almost three times more at risk from fire compared to the rest of the population. In March 2006, the NSWFB conducted a seniors’ fire safety campaign as part of Seniors Week. This campaign highlighted fire safety problems that affect older people and explained how these risks can be prevented or reduced. Safety messages were promoted through the local media as well as through activities carried out by fire officers in their local communities. During 2005/06, NSWFB fire officers visited 10 660 homes to install new smoke alarms or to check previously- installed alarms. Around 23% of homes in NSW still did not have smoke alarms and the NSWFB is working hard to reach this at-risk segment of the community through a range of public education and legislative strategies. Under the Smoke Alarm Battery Replacement for the Elderly (SABRE) program, local fire officers formed partnerships with local councils and community carer organisations to install and maintain battery-operated smoke alarms in the homes of the elderly, thus helping older people to live safely and independently in their own homes. SABRE also gives fire officers the opportunity to conduct on-site fire risk assessments and to help residents to identify hazards that need to be addressed. For example, a SABRE partnership between the NSWFB and Legacy led to installation of 500 smoke alarms in the homes of older residents in the St George area, including many CALD community members. The project was publicised through the local press. Local Health Centres and other community organisations which assist the elderly were also involved. During the year, the NSWFB also assisted Commonwealth, State and Local Government agencies in improving fire and life safety in residential aged- care facilities, including nursing homes, hostels and multi-use residential aged-care buildings. At the request of local councils, NSWFB staff inspected many such facilities as part o